Record changing mechanism for phonographs



Aug. 23, 1932. R; R. ERBE 1,872,706

ascoan CHANGING MECHANISM FOR PHONQGRAPHS Filed April 16. 1928 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Aug. 23, 1932. R. R. ERBE 1,872,706

RECORD CHANGING .MECHANI SM FOR PHONOGRAPHS Filed April 16. 1928 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 H a. I HI a, 45 60 J Rnuw JERBE av M v nonusv EAL -u I x I Aug. 23, 1932. 77 R. -R. ERBE 1,872,706

m-zconn CHANGING macnmxsm FOR PHONOGRAPHS Filed April 16, 1928 6 Sheets-Sheet a INVENTOR FHLPH 1? FREE Aug/23, 1932. I R, ERBE' 1,87,7 06

RECORD CHANGING MECHANISM FOR PHONOGRAPHS Filed April 16, 1928 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR fiflLPH FEE/e85 I I QRNEY Aug. 23, 1932. R. R. ERBE I 1,372,706

RECORD CHANGING MECHANISM FOR PHONOGRAPHS Filed April 16, 1928 e sheet -sheet 5 NVENTOR 1%LPH Enos B Aug. 23, 1932. R. R. ERBE ,87

RECORD CHANGING MECHANISM FOR PHONOGBAPHS Filed April 16. 1928' 6- Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR fifllP/l EERBE ORNEY N Patented Aug. 23, 1932 v UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE RALPH B. ERBE, OF TACOMA, WASHINGTON, ASBIGNOB, BY HESNE ASSIGNIENTS, TO

THE CAPEHART CORPORATION, 01 FORT WAYNE, INDIANA, A

INDIANA CORPORATION 0] RECORD CHANGING MECHANISM FOR PEONOGRAI'EB- Application filed April 16,

This invention relates to record changing mechanism for phonographs, particularly to a record changing mechanism for phonographs using disk records which are played on a horizontally revolving turn table; the principal object of the invention'being to provide a mechanism that is entirely automatic in its operation, which makes the record changes quickly and quietly, which is of;

simplified construction, relatively inexpensive, and which will accommodate a various number of records.

It is also an object ofthe invention to provide a mechanism of the above character which. will operate to transfer the record disks, one at a time, from one side of a sup-- ply group to the turn table for playing and then to replace each record on the other side a of the group after it has been played. Also,

in replacing the records, to invert them so' that when again delivered to the turn table,

the other side will be played.

Another ob'ect of the invention is to pro vide means number of records to be played, that is, a

mechanism which maybe set so as to play one faced disk recor s, and it comprises a tiltav tothe turn table Other objects of t e invention reside in the various details of construction and mode of operation of them'echanisms'for actuating the carrier, for releasin bl mountedsupporting rack or magazine on w ich a supply of records ma be grouped, a transferring or carrier whic encircles the turn table and which may be swung upwardly by the setting of a clutch incident to completion of a record, to transfer the'record to one side of the supply group and, on itemturn movement, to receive a record from the other. s'ideof the and to transfer this or aying.

therecords from the supply group for de ivery onto the carrier, for controlling the movement and set-' ting of the reproducer, or pickup instrument,

or selectively controlling the 192s. Serial in. 270,353.

so that it will not interfere with the removal from or replacement of a record on the turn table and will set the reproducer needle accurately in the. groove of the record to be played. Another important object of the invention resides in the provision of a circuit closing switch of novel construction, operatin conjunction with the reproducer and w 'ch operates incident to the completion of a necord toclose a, circuit to set a clutch whereb the mechanisms which effect the record chan e are set in motion.

Ot er objects of the invention reside in the details of construction and'in the combi-I nation of parts, as will hereinafter be described in detail and specifically recited in the claims terminating the specification.

In accomplishing these objects I have provided the improved details of construction,

the preferred forms of which are illustrated 1D. the accompanying drawings, wherein- Figure 1 is a perspective new of a record changing mechanism embodied by the present invention, showing the &arts in the position they assume during e playing of a record. a

Figure 2 is a view illustrating the action and relation of the parts during a record changing operation.

' Fi re 3 is a' section taken through the reco supporting rack and carrier durin a record changing operation and showing e parts just as a record is being replaced in the rack. I I 3 Figure v4, is a similar view illustrating the transfer of a record from the rack onto the carrier as the latter swings downwardlyand therack swings back toward horizontal position.

Figure 5 is a side elevation from the side opposite that of Figures 1 and 2. I igure 6 is a front view ofthe reproducing instrument, showingthe switch used in connection therewith for chair) the circuit to the-clutch actuating solenoi Figure 7 's a detail view, illustratm' the cam and itsconnection theshaft w ch .rackt Figure 8 is a perspective view of the controls movement ofth re q piechanism during a record changing operaion.

Fi ure 9 is a detail, perspective view, showing the trip mechanism whereby the records are released from the rack onto the carrier.

Figure 10 is a rspective view of parts of the settin mechanism whereby the number ofrecor to be played is controlled.

Figure 11 is a plan View of the various control and drivin mechanisms. and a diagrammatic view 0% the circuit connections.

Figure 12 is a detail View illustrating action of the clutch setting lever under the influence of the energized solenoid.

Figure 13 is a detail view, showing the releasable connection whereby repeating of be transferred from the turn table to the rack and which also serves, on a. return movement, to transfer a record from the rack onto the turn table. The action of the transfer mechanism is started by the closing of a circuit through a solenoid which operates to set a clutch to connect the mechanism with a continuously driven shaft. A switch of novel construction is provided in connection with the tone arm and this operates automatically on completion of a record to close the circuit through the solenoid and the action of the latter is Lto shift the clutch and to set certain parts in motion whereby the tone arm is raised off of the record and swung to one side just prior to the startin action of the transfer mechanism whic lifts the record from the turn table and places it on the rack. A trip mechanism operates automatically to release 'a'single record from the rack'and place it on the carrier as the latter returns to pom'tion about the turn table. Then, with the record in place for playing, the tonearm is brought back and accurately set on the rec- .ord in playing position.

Referrlng more in detail to the drawin 1 designates what maybe termed the v board on which the various mechanisms, in-

cluding the usual electric motor for operating the phonograph, are mounted'and 2 is the turn table supported horizontally just above the base board on ashaft 3 by means of'which' it is rotated by connection-with the electric motor, which is represented in Fig- "ure 5 by the circular housing 4 and in Figure 11 bythe broken line circle; it being understood that anysuitable typeof motor ma be used for this purpose and connected wit the turn table in any suitable manner. Ad-

jacent the turn table is the tone arm 5 which 1s adapted to oscillate in a horizontal plane and also to be adjusted vertically through its guide bearings 6 1n the base in the usual manner, so as to permit the needle 7 that .pro-

ects'downwardl from the reproducing unit or electrical pi up, designated at 8, and

which is carried at the swmgin end of the arm, to follow in the roove o the record, also, to permit the use le to be raised clear of the record when the arm is swung to the side of the turn table for changing a record. Electric circuit for the motor is brought thereto through circuit wires 9 and 10, as

shown in Figure 11, and the circuit is under the control of a suitable switch as designated at 12.

At one side of the turn table is a rack on which the group of records to be played is supported. Thls rack comprises two spaced post's 13-43 that are fixed vertically in the base 1 and which, at their upper ends pivotally. support a tiltable frame; the said frame comprising parallel, opposite side bars 14-14 which extend through the blocks 15 pivotally connected, as at 16, to the (posts, with the rearends of the bars connects by a cross member 14a and their forward ends connected by a flat'bar or plate 17. In this construction, the cross bar 14a and the plate- 17 serve as the sup rts for the record stack which, as shown t in Figures 1 and 8, barely overlaps these parts and two spaced studs, or stops, 18 are fixed I which the forward ed e of the stack is abutted to hold the record dis in. alinement and also to support the stack when the frame is tilted vertically during a record changing operation, as will presently be described.

Except during'the record changing operation, the cup of records is supported by the rack ame substantially in a horizontal position, as shown in Figures 1 and 8; the rack being moved to this position and held there by means of an arm 20, see Figure 5,,

which is fixed to the rack pivot 16 at one side and which extends alongside thev ad acent 4 frame bar'14. This arm, in turn, is supported b engagement therewith of the upper end of a ever 21 that is fixed to one end of a cross shaft 22 mounted rotatably in supporting bearings 23 formed on a bar. 24 which, as shown in Figure 2, is fixed to the base 1 pan allel with the line of posts 13. The center of the record stack'i's set slightl forward of the line of the pivot points sot at it will of its own weight cause the rack to tilt forwardly when the arm 20 is released. Mounted be.

neath the base 1 and parallel'with shaft 22 in 25,;as shown in Figure 5, is a shaft 26, and fixed, respectively, on the shafts 22 and 26, are wheels 27 and 28 about which in the plate 17 against or A,

a belt, of strap, 29 is extended; the belt being fixed to the wheels so as to prevent any possible slippa e and the wheel 27 being somewhat smal er than wheel so that .a certain rotative movement of shaft 26 will cause. a greater movement of shaft 22.

The downward tilting of therecord supporting rack, which is necessary for each record transfer operation, is effected by swing ing the arm 21 rearwa-rdly and the return of the rack to horizontal position is effected by the return of the arm toinitial position. For this purpose the shaft 26 has a crank arm 30 fixed to one'end thereof and this is connected by a link 31 to a slide 32 that is actuated by. a cam 33 on .a horizontal shaft 34 ,-mo.unted revolubly in a frame structure 35 that is suspended below the base 1 by brackets 36, as shown in Fi re 5. The shaft 34 1s stationary during t e playing ofa record,

a but is set in motion for the record changing operation by the setting of a friction clutch mechanism 37 which provides a' driving connection between the shaft 34 and a shaft 34a alined therewiththat is continuously driven through a gearing connection, designated at 38 in Figure 11, from the lower end of the motor driven shaft 3. When the clutch is set, the shaft 34 will be revolvedand the cam 33, through its connection with the slide 32 andlink 31, efi'ects an oscillating motion of the lever arm 30 and this is transferred to the shaft 26 which, through the connection of the belt 29 with the wheel 27, effects the rearward and forward winging movement of the arm 21 which controls the movement of the stacksupporting rack.

Associated with the turn table, is a carrier whereby the record disks are transferred between the table and supply stack. This carrier comprises a ring-like member 40 that is entirely independent of the table but which rierzswings upwardly and reaches its limit 7 of travel in this direction, the record carried is adapted to encircle it, as shown in Figure 1. It is provided with an inturned flange 40a against which the periphery of the record disk may seat when carried within the ring during a transfer operation. The ring is fixed rigidly-by two connecting brackets 4l41 to theshaft 22, so that the same rotativemovemenfifthe latterfwhich is produced to cause the record supporting rack to swing downwardly, will cause upward swinging of the ring to transfer arecord from-the table to the rack. It is to be understood, of course, that the record when disposed on the turn table projects beyond the periphery ofthe latter and that the carrier is of such diameter as to receivethe record disk within it. The rack and carrier also are so arranged in this construction and their movements are so synchronized that when the car therein will coincide with the records on the I rack and will be discharged onto the rack and supported there b engagement of its lower edge with the stu s 18 that extend from the plate 17.

Since it is required that the tone arm 5 be raised and swung to one side of the turn able during a record changing operation, thls movement is accomplished as follows: The tone arm has its mountin portion slidable in the bearing 6 and has xed therein a downwardly extending post which, at its lower end,-is tapered to a rounded point 46 adapted to ride on'the periphery of a circular cam 4? that is fixed to the shaft 34. At one polnt 1n the cam is an inwardly cut notch 48 within which thepost may seat to lower the tone arm onto the record. During the playing of a record, the post is disposed in the notch of the cam, as shown in Figure 5, but on completion. of a record, the cam is started to rotating and this causes the post to be raised and the arm to be lifted thereby cleanof the table 7 as shown in dotted lines n Figure 5. As the arm is'thus lifted, it is also swung to one side of the turn table by the action of a cam 50 that, also, is' fixed to the shaft 34 adj acent the cam 47 and which engages with a downwardly projecting post 51 fixed to an arm 52 that extends laterally from the post 45, as shown best in Figure 14. A yieldable spring arm 53, that is fixed to a block 54 on-the underside of the base 1, en-

gages with the arm 52 and thus limits the outward swing of the tone arm. It serves also as a means of returning the tone arm back over the table as the cam 50 recedes.

effected y g gement- .of th Outer end of,

the arm 52 with a downwardly projecting stop 60 that is fixed in theblock 54 and which is of such length thatafter the tone arm has been lowered for playing, the arm 52 may pass beneath thestop' as it swings inwardly 1n accordance'with travelof the needle inward'ly toward the center of the record.

When the tone arm is lifted on completion of a record, the laterally extending arm 52 is disposed within'the stop post 60 and it is essential that the stop he so constructed as to permit the arm 52 to by it when the 4 tone arm is swung outwardly. To permit this, I have provided the lower end of the stop post with a hingedly attached extension member 60a. This extension is so hinged that it will swingoutwardly to permit arm 52 to pass outwardly butwillnot swing inwardly beyond the straight line of the The clutch 37, 8 s's hown inFigure 11",oom-

prises two cooperatingfriction disksl37a 'a nd 37 b that are fixed, respectively, to the shafts 34 and 34a and which are normally held dieengaged by, ressure of a small coiled sprin 39'that is p aced between them, but whic will be engaged to eflect a driving connec-- tion between the shafts by the inward swinging ofa lever 62 that is hingedly attached at one end, as at 63, to the end of the frame and which has a pivot 64 bearing against the outer end of the shaft 34. The inward swinging of this lever, from the position shown in Figure 11 to that shown in Figure 12, causes the shaft 34 to be shifted inwardly so as to press the clutch disks together and to thus cause the shaft 34 to be driven. This movement of the clutch lever is effected through a spring connection 65 with the core bar 66 of a-solenoid 67 that is fixed to the frame 35. When the solenoid is energized,

; through connection with the main circuit, as

presently described, the core is drawn inwardly and this places the spring 65 under tension and pulls the lever 62 inwardly. This action of. the-solenoid, whereby the clutch is set andthe transfer mechanism thus set in motion, is occasioned at the comple-- tion of laying a record b the closing of a circuit t rough the solenoid by the automatic, momentary closing of a switch carried on the re roducer unit at theend of the tone arm.

T is switch, as best shown in Figure 6. comwith the automatic sto prises a stationarycontact 70 moun on a block of-insulation 71 on the casing of the reproducer unit 8, with a flexible contact 72 also mounted on the block and, at one end,

having a brush 73 or other device adapted to engage the face of the record disk and to follow in its grooves. The'contacts 70 and 72 arenormall disengaged so that the circuit. to the soleneid is open, but are brou ht to gether incident to thecontinued inwa travel of the brush toward the center ofthe record after the reproducing needle 7 has reached the continuous, circular groove formed in the disk at the end of the record groove; it being apparent that the needle'reaches the continuous oove in advance of the brush and that, since the brushis following in the spiral grooves of the record, it will be crowded overaga-inst the contact 70. i

The wiring diagram of Figure 11' whereby. t the circuit connections between the motor and the various switches are disclosed, shows th motor 4.to be connected with the main circuit wires 9. and 10 b means of circuit connections 76 and 77; e latter having a switch interposed therein which comprises a fixed contact plate 78 and a 'eldably mount ed contact p ate 79, these ing associated mechanism which presently will be descri d. A circuit wire 80 connects one side of the solenoid with the circuit wire 77 between themotor and the cut-outlswitch and a wire 81 connects the.

other side-of the solenoid with a binding post 82 that is mounted on, but insulated from the lever varm 62. A wire 88 connects the budmounted in the frame 35 just within the lever a 62. This latter post 86 is adapted'when the lever 62 is drawn inwardly by action of the solenoid to engage with a contact 88 carried ,by the lever 62. With the circuit connections so established, it is apparent that the bringing together 'of the contacts 70 and 72 on the completion of a record will close a circuit through the solenoid which will cause the core thereof to be drawn inwardly and the lever 62 to be moved accordingly to seat the clutch 37 and thus cause the shaft 34 to be driven in accordance with the continuous- 1y driven shaft 34a.

I have also provided a shunt circuit connection around the switch on the tone arm consistin of a wire 89 connecting wires 83 and 84 a'normally open push button switch, tdesignated at 89a, interposed in the connecion.

It will be stated here that since the circuit through the solenoid as controlled by the switch carried on the tone arm is only temporary, it is necessary to provide other means for keepi this circuit closed after the contacts70 a U '7 2 are separated. This is accomplished by the circuit connecting wire 85 which carries the circuit to the post 86 from' which it passes through the contact 88 and wire 81 to the solenoid after the circuit through the wire 83 is opened.

"As the.shaft 34 starts to rotate incident to setting of the clutch 37, the cam 47 actin on the post 45 causes the tone arm tobe li ed' upwardly while the cam 50 acting against the'post 51 depending from the arm 52 causes the tone arm to be swun to one side clear of the record and turn ta le. Rotative movement of the shaft 34 also causes the cam 33 throu h the link 31 and arm 30 to actuate the rock s aft 26 so as to swing the lever arm 21 110 As the ra'eki'sthusbeing tilted downwardly 1,1,1

the carrier 40 swin upwardly and carries the record with it jom the turn table and deposits it on the rack. While the carrier and rack are in this sition, the lower record of the suppl carrier when the latter swings downwardly to normal position. The means whereby the record is released, as best shown in Fi 1 and 9, comprises a trip lever that lies against the outer face of the pivotally connected thereto by a in 91. The inner end of this lever is d against the lower edge of the lower record of the stack while its outer end projects he end the end of the plate 17. Pivotallyattaehcd is re eased for disposition on the 12 plate 17 and is tem os 13 at that end of the rack, by means of a pivot pin 92, is a short, forwardly directed lever 93 I and pivotally connected with the outer end of this lever, is a downwardly depending link 94 having a laterally turned foot 95 at its end.

I The construction and arrangement of these parts is such that when the record supporting rack swings downwardly, the outer end of the lever 90 passes to a position beneath the outer end ofthe lever 93 and, when the lever arm 21 swings rearwardly and downwardly, it is brought into engagement with the outturned foot 95 of the link 94 and, through this linla,

draws the lever 93' downwardly so that its en engages with the end of the lever 90 and rocks 15 the inner end of the latter upwardly, thereby unseating the lower record of the group from the cross plate 17 and allowing the record to drop against two spaced cushioning members 98 that are fixed on the base plate 1 centrall between the posts 13 and back of the sha 22. The released record is supported on the cushioned members, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 3, by two inwardly and downward- 1y directed bars 99 against which the record leans. These bars are fixed in blocks 100 mounted on the opposite side bars 14 of the rack frame, and they extend downwardly in convergin relation. As soon as a record is released, t e rack'and carrier start on their return movements and as the carrier swings downwardly from the position shown in Figure 3 through the position as shown in Figure 4, the rack is also moved back toward the rack being effected by the upwardly "swinging arm 21 coming into engagement with the arm 20. As the carrier swin s downwardly, a rearwardly and upwardly irected prong 105 that is fixed to its rearward ed comes into 40 contact with the lower edge 0 the released record and lifts it from the cushioning blocks 98 and causes it to slide into the carrier; then, as the rack swings upwardly, the record slides down along the inwardly convergi arms 99 and onto the turn table to the dotted e position of Figure 4. As the carrier continues to move downwardly the record is farther advanced onto the turn table by the arms 99 and finally, as the carrier assumes a horizontal position, the record dro s from the ends of the arms and is centere in the ring and on the turn table in position for playgg- When the rack swings downwa y to the position shown in Fi re 8, its movement is limited b stops 1 that arev ad ustably nounted y blocks 108 carried on 13 and, when the recoi'd is released the rack it is retained against rearward w on tlie cushion blocks by a cushioning atop tends upwardly be ond the top of the'cushioning blocks as, to the ring 40 is then dispoeedbetween the a cushioning been as so thatlit willproperly horizontal position; this movement of the I Q 125 therein, one of which, here design block 110 carrie by a braeket 111 that eie mew s fi e engage the record for transferring the latter onto thering when the latter sw ngs downwar'dly. v i a For the purpose of resettin the lever 90, after it has unseated a record from the rack, 7

I provide a block 115 that is mounted on the swings upwardly and forwar 1y as the rack go swings upwardly and, during this upward swinging, the outer end of the lever rides over the rounded edge 115a of the block 115 to effect the-resetting of the lever. I

A spring wire 116 is wrapped around the pivot 92 and bears against the lever 93 to urge the latterto an u wardly directed position after it is released from the arm 21, and there is also a spring wire 117 attached to the arm. 21 and provided at its end with a hook d 118 adapted to engage a pin 119 in arm 20 as a safety device to prevent the ossibility of the rack tilting rearwardly w en it is re turned to horizontal position.

The record changing operation is all accom lished during one revolution of the sha 34 which is set in motion by the setting of clutch 37 incident to closing a circuit throu h the solenoid. The circuit through the so enoid is broken when the cam 47 has made one complete revolution and, just as the tone arm sup ortinglpost settles into the cam notch 48 an sets t e needle on the record, by the action ofa cam block 47a fixed tothe outer face of the cam 47, see Figure 11, in a position at which it will be brought into. contact with a slide pin 47b which is carried in the end bar of frame 35 and which will be moved outwardl thereby against the lever 62 to move the atter outwardly and break the circuit connection between pin 86 and contact 88.

For setting the device to automatically stop itself after playing a selected number of reconds l have provided a switch actuating mechanism operating in connection with the shaft 26 and the cut out switch'in the wire connection 77. The setting device consists of a knob 120 fixed in the upper end of a shaft 121 rotatably mounted in a bracket 12 2 120 .fixed to the underside of the base 1, with the shaft extending upwardly through the base.

. movement from and against a stop shou der 128 in its mounting block. This pawl depends between the radial pins and is so arranged-that, with each rearward oscillatory action of shaft 26 incident to transfer of a record from the stackto the table, successive pins will be engaged thereb and the wheel 124 rotatably advanced. hus, each operation advances the long pin 125a one in-- terval closer to the switch and finally brings it against the contact 79, as in Figure 11, and pus es the latter from the contact 'Z8 and opens the motor circuit to stop the machine.

Fixed to the base 1 about the shaft 12Landbeneath the knob 120, is a plate or dial that has graduations numbered in accordance with the radial pins of the wheel and a pointer 131 is fixed to the knob to follow the markings and by means of which proper setting of the wheel may bemade to indicate the number of records that can be played before the cut out switch will be actuated. This arrangement provides that, if there are ten records in the stackand it is desired to lay all of them, the pointer is set at 10 on t e dial. The relation of the pointer to the long pin is such that after ten records have been played, the next advance movement of wheel 124 brings the long pin 125a against the switch contact 79 to 0 en the circuit and stop the machine. If it is esired to play both sides of the ten records, the pointer would be set at 20 on the dial. This causes all records to be played through once on one side, then once on the other. Other settings for any selected number of records may be made.

It will be noted also that at one point of the wheel 124, as shown in Figure 11, one of the radial pins 125 is omitted, thus leaving an open interval. By ad usting the inter to register with a repeat mark on the al, this open interval will be moved to a position at which the pawl 127 will operate within it and the wheel will not be advanced, thus the machine may be dc to operate for any length of time without automatically stopping itself.

I have also shown in Figure 13 means for releasing the wheel28 from the shaft 26 so that motion will not be transmitted to the shaft 22 to produce the record changing o eration, and thus, a selected record ma he repeated as many, times as desired. '5 release consists of a flexible wire 1300 that extends radially into the wheel and throu h a hole 131a in the shaft. It is contained wit in a flexible tube 132 fixed at its ends in the wheel and in the base 1, and at-its outer end has a button 133 fixed thereon. Bydrawing upwardly on the button, the wire will be withdrawn from the hole in the shaft-and the latter will thenoperate freely in thewheel 28 and no movement will be transmitted to $5 the rack or carrier by the rotation of shaft 34, althou h the resetting of the tone arm will be e ected in the same manner as if a new record was placed in position.

- In Figure 15, I have shown a modification wherein provision is made for adjusting the fixed to the underside of the base.. Likewise,

the post 60 is carried by a plate 142 slidably mounted in a ide 143 fixed to theounderside of the base. rock shaft 145 is mounted beneath the base in supports 146 and this has rocker arms 147 connected with the plates and 142 by links 148 and 149,respect1vely. Means would be providedwhereby .the shaft could be rotated so as to effect the simultaneous adjustment of the rack which is carried b the posts 13 and the stop post 16. With t e foregoing adjustment and the substitution of'a hoop 40 of ater diameter, or

the use of a hoop having epressions of greater diameter to-receive records of various diameters, the adjustment is complete.

Assuming the device to be so constructed, to operate the same, it is only necessary to place a su ply of records on the rack when thelatter is in horizontal position, as shown in Figure 1. Then, on pressing the buttton 89a, a circuit will be closed through the solenoid and this, as previously described, effects the setting of the clutch whereby the record transfer mechanism is set in motion. The tone arm will be first moved to the side of the turn table, the carrier will swing upwardly as the rack'is tilted forwardly and downwardly and, on return movement of the rack, a record will be discharged and delivered onto the carrier for lacement on the turn table in position for p aying. The tone arm then automatically swings bacln and is set on the record at the starting point. -When the needle reaches the inner circular groove on the record, the switch contacts 7 0 and 72 knob 120 which controls the automatic stopv and repeat mechanism. If it is desired to repeat any record, this may be accomplished by setting the control device on the repeat mark and by withdrawing thev wire which fixes the wheel 28 against rotation on the shaft 26 being done by pulling upward- 1y; on the button 133. Should it be desired to c ange a record at any time before the,selec- 'tion being played is completed, it is only necessary t?) press 'on the switch button 89a and this closes a circuit through the solenoid to start the record changin action.

It is readily apparent t at devices of this character may be made to accommodate records of various diameter and of various thicknesses, and thatthe adjustin mechanism as disclosed in Figure 15 co d be embodied with'the machine if desired, so that aired adjustments may be made simultaneou y and easily by the rotation or adjustment of a single shaft.

It is readily apparent that various details of construction and combina 'on of, parts could be changed without de artmg from the spirit of the invention and, Ear this reason, it is not desired that the claims be limited only to the details as herein illustrated. It is also apparent that this record ch mechanism 8 and the needle 7. H

Having thus described m invention, what I v I claim as new therein an g mechanism can be used in connection with the ordinary type of phonograph whereiiithe tone arm 5 connects with an amplifying horn, or it, can be used in connection vwith electrical pickups for radios wherein the tone arm serves simply as a carrier 'for the reproducer desire to secure by Letters-Patent, is: 1. In a machine of the character described,

a turntable, a rack adjacent thereto for supporting a group of records in contacting rela- --tion, an oscillating carrier operable between the rack and turntable, means for delivering records one at a time from one side of the group onto the carrier for placement thereby on the turntable and means operable to move the carrier to return the records to the other side ofnthe' group and to invert them during the return movement, 7

2. In a machine of the character described,

"a turntable, a rack for supporting a su ply of records adjacent thereto, a carrier w ereby records may be returned from the turntable to the rack in an inverted position, a trip device operable incident to the return of la record to the-rack, to release another record therefrom, guide members extended from the rack and means for causing the released record to follow along the uide members to the carrier for placement t ereby on the turntable. v

3. In a machine of the character described, a turntable, a pivotally mounted on which a supply stack of records may be supported, mea isffor tilting the rack to adjust the records from upright to a vertically inclined position, a carrier operable to return records from the turntable onto the rack when the latter is in an inclined position, a

trip adapted to be actuated incident to a moord movement of the carrier to release mam yond vertical position for lifting the 'rep and guides attached the released record a record from the rack to the rack along which movement of the rack to upright position and to be positioned thereb on the carrier for placement on the turnta 1e.

4. In a machine of the character described, a turntable, a ma azine for containing a plurality of record disks disposed adjacent thereto, an oscillating carrier of fixed ring-iilze form' upon which the records ma be individua 1y received and whereb t ey may be positioned concentrically on t e turntable for playing and mechanism for actuating said carrier to return the turntable back to sai ma azine.

5. Ina machineof the c aracter described, a turntable, means for en porting a plurality of record disks adjacent t ereto,a1id a record changing means includin a carrier of rin like orm within which t e records may e individually received and supported, means for swinging the carrier from a horizontal position, at which it concentricallyencircles the table, upwardly through and slightly bea record from the table and for delivering it onto the supply of records and means operable during return movement of the carrier for transfer ring a record from the supply onto the carglayed records from the will be caused to slide incident to return rief upwardly throughfaiid slightly beyond vertical position, for returning a record from the table to the supply'off'records a'nd'then back to its normal position,-and means for transferring a record disk from the supply onto the carrier on its return movement to be centered thereby on the table. I

7. In a machine of the character described, a turntable, a magazine for containing a supply of record disks supported adjacent thereto, a record changing means-comprising a carrier adapted to be ocillated between the table and the suppl of disks for transferring them individually table and back to said magazine, a reproducingwelement, a swingingly' mounted supporting arm for said element and means for swingm the magazine to the turn-c ing the arm away from the table for a record changing 'peration and for returning it to playing after said change;

' 8. In a machine ofthe character described a turntable, means for supporting a supply of record disks adjacent thereto, v carrier operable to transfer recordsfrom the table to the supply and from the supply onto table,,a refirodueer element, a tone arm for the re roduoer -adapted to raise and lower rod ucer element from and into playing position and to be swung laterally for removing it therefrom for a record changing irev an oscillating operation, a driven shaft and mechanisms operable by the shaft for actuating the record 0 anging means and for actuating the reproducer element supporting arm.

9. In a machine of the character described,

a turntable, a supply of disk records, a record a record changing operation, normally inactive driving means for the record changing and reproducer adjusting mechanisms, a driven member, a clutch adapted to be set to effect adriving connection between the driven member and said normally inactive driving means, an electrically operated clutch setting device, a circuit for said device, a control switch for said circuit, and means operated by a characteristic of the record being played for actuating the switch to close the circuit.

10. In a machine of the character described, a turntable, a sup ly of record disks, 8. record changing means or tranferring records one at a time from the supply to the table and for returning them to the supply, a reproducer, means for adjusting the reproducer from and into playing position incident to each record change, normally inactive driving means for the record changing and reproducer adjusting .means, a driven member, a clutch operable to effect a driving connection between the driven member and said normally inactive means, a solenoid, a circuit for the solenoid, a switch for controlling said circuit operable by a characteristic of the record being played to close the circuit to actuate the clutch and means operable incident to completion of a record changing operation for opening the circuit.

11. In a machine of the character described, a turntable, means for supporting a supply of record disksadjacent to the turntable, a record transferring means movable between thesupply and the turntable for the transferrin'g of records from the supply to the turntable and from the turntable to the supply, and means for adjusting the record supporting means relative to the table for the accommodation of records of different diameters. i

12. In a machine of the character described, a turntable, means for supporting a supply of, record disks adj acentthe turntable, a record transferringmeans operable to deliver the record disks from the supply onto the turntable and for returning them from the table to the supply, a reproducer, a support- 7 ing arm for the reproducer and a single means operable to simultaneously adjust the record supporting means ,and the said supporting-arm relative to the turntable for the ,by the outer periphery of said recor accommodation of records of difierent diameter.

13. In a phonograph, -a record-rotating means, means for sliding a record towards an a I n I operative pos1t1on thereon, and co-operatmg record guiding means engaged by the record for guiding it during its sliding movement into operative position on the rotating means.

14. In a phonograph, a turntable, means for sliding a record towards said turntable, and movable record guiding means engagfed .or guiding it into position on said turntable during its sliding movement.

15. In a phonograph, a turntable, means for sliding a record downwardly toward said turntable, and co-operating record guiding means for engaging the record and guiding it during its sliding movement into position on theturntable.

16. In a phonograph, a turntable, means for sliding a record downwardly towards said turntable, and co-operating record guiding means engaged by the outer periphery of the record for guiding it during its sliding movement into position on the turntable.

17. In a phonograph, a turntable, means inclining a record downwardly to slide to wards said turntable, and a co-operating movable record guiding means engaged by the outer periphery of the record for guiding it during its sliding movement into position on the turntable.

18. In a phonograph, a turntable, means inclining a record downwardly to slide towards said turntable, and a co-operating pivotally mounted record guiding means engaging the outer periphery of the record and guiding it during its sliding movement into position on the turntable.

19. In a phonograph, a turntable, means inclining a record downwardly to slide towards said turntable, and a co-operating pivotally mounted record guiding means engaging the outer periphery of the record and guiding it during its sliding movement into position on the turntable, and means for moving said pivotally mounted guide means through a definite cycle.

20. In a phonograph, a turntable, means supporting a group of records adjacent said turntable, means for removing a record from said group of records, vmeans for sliding said removed record towards the turntable, and" means for guiding the removed record into.

position on the'turntable during its sliding movement.

21. The combination as in claim 20 said guide means operable to remove the record from the turntable. I

22. The combination as in claim 20 said guide means being operable to remove said record from the turntable and return it to the group.

23. In a phonograph, a turntable, a record magazinemounted adjacent the turntable for pivotal movement, means for removing a record frgm said magazine, means for-move ing said magazine about its ivot, and means carried by said ma azine or engaging the removed record an turntable.

24. The combination as in claim 23 including guide means for receiving the record and guiding it into operative position on the turntable. 5

25. In a multiple playing phonograph, a rack for holding a group of records in abutting relation, means for removing a record from one end of said rack, and means for bodily moving the rack to advance the group of records. therein to have a record move to I occupy the space formerly occupied by the removed record.

26. In a multiple playing phonograph, a

pivotally mounted rack for holding a group of records, means for removin a record from one side of said rack when t e latter is in normal position, and meansfor swinging the rack on its pivot to advance the group of records therein to have a record move to occupy the space formerly occupied by the removed record.

. 27 In a phonograph, a turntable, a oup of records to-be played, means for sli ing a record from the group toward said turntable, co-operating record guiding means engaged by the record forguidin it into operativeposition on the turntable, uring its sliding movement, and means for operating said record guiding means to remove the record from the turntable after it has been played, and return it to the group. V

28. In an automatic phonogra h, a turntable, a fixed support at one side 0 said turntable, a magazine ivotally supported there on ada ted to ho d a plurality of records, means or swinging said ma azine about its pivotal support, and means or. transferring a record from said magazine onto said turntable when said magazine is swung to one osition and return a record from said turnta le.

to said magazine when swung to. another po sition. Q

29. In an automatic phonograph, a turntable, a magazine, means for ivotall sup porting said magazine at one si e of sai turntable, and means for swinging said magazine to substantiall a vertical position for receiving a record rom said magazine and from the vertical osition toward the horizontal position for ischarging the record onto said turntable. i r

30. In an automatic phonograph, a turntable, a magazine positioned at one side'of said turntable, means for'pivotally supporting said magazine at one side of said turntable, means for swinging said magazine about said pivotal mounting, means for returning a record from said turntable to said moving it towards the magazine when said magazine has swung to substantially a vertical osition, and means for transferring a recor from the magazine to the turntable as it swings to a substantially horizontal position.

31. In a machine of the character described, a turntable, a magazine for supporting a plurality of records adjacent said turntable, means for transferring records between said magazine and turntable, and means for adjusting the position of said magazine relative to t e turntable for permitting records a of different diameters to'be transferred therebetween.

32. In a machine of the character described, a turntable, a magazine for supportinga plurality pf record di'sks adj acent said turntable, mechanism for transferring a record from the magazine to the turntable and from the turntable to the magazine, and means for varying the distance between said magazine and turntable for permitting said mechanism to transfer records of different diameters therebetween.

33. In a machine of the character described, a turntable adapted to receive a record thereon, a reproducer including a tone arm, means =for r aising said reproducer and swinging it beyond the periphery of a record upon the completion thereof, swinging it insaid record for re roduction thereof, and a stop member associated therewith ada ted to be engaged thereby when in its raise position for limiting its inward swingin movement to the proper position at the start of the record and disengaged thereby upon its being lowered into record engagement for permitting its continued inward movement over the record. a, y

34. In a machine of the character dey scribed, a turntable ada ted to receive a record thereon, a repro ucer' including a tone arm, meansfor raising said reproducer and swinging it beyond the periphery of a record upon the completion thereof, swinging it inwardly and lowering it into engage ment with said record for reproduction thereof, a stop member associated therewith adapted to be engaged thereby whenin itsraised position for limiting its inward swinging movement to the proper position at the start of the record and isengaged thereby upon its being lowered into record engage ment for permitting its continued inward movement over the record, and means on said stop member for rendering the same ineffective with respect to the outward swingin movement of said tone arm when in raise position. r I u 35. In a phonograph, the combination with .a turntable, and 'a reproducer including a tone arm, of means for positioning said reproducer at the beginning of a record, .com-

prising means for elevating said reproducer 130 "wardly and lowering it into eng gement with above the level of the record on the turntable and lowering it into engagement therewith, means for swinging said reproducer outwardly beyond the periphery of said record and returning it toward the eriphery there of, and means for arresting t e inward movement of the reproducer at the marginal edge of said record when in elevated position while releasing the same upon its being lowered into engagement with the record.

36. In a machine of the character described, a turntable, a supply of record disks adjacent thereto, an annular member pivotally mounted adjacent said turntable adapted to receive a record from said supply, means for causing said member'to approach and concentrically encircle said turntable with said record engaged thereby to bring the peripheral edge of said record into engage- 2 ment with the surface of the turntable, and

means for rotating said turntable for imparting movement to the edge of said record to move it into position on said carrier for placement upon said turntable.

37. In an automatic phonograph, a turntable, a pivotally supported magazine adapted to hold a plurality of records, means for swinging said magazine about its pivotal mounting at one side of said turntable, and

means for transferring a record from said magazine to said turntable when said magazine is swung to one position and returning said record to said magazine when it is swung to another position.

38. In an automatic phonograph, a turntable, a pivota'lly supported magazine adapted to hold a plurality of records, means for swinging said magazine about its pivotal mounting at one side of said turntable, and

means for transferring a record from said magazine to the turntable when said magazine is swung to one position and lifting said record from said turntable for returnin it to said magazine when it is swung to anot er position.

Signed at Seattle, Washington, this 30th day of March, 1928. I

RALPH R. ERBE. 

